We’ve acknowledge the ongoing websession over new camo pattern A-TACS. But, at last week’s SHOT Show when A-TACS, or advanced tactical concealment system, was officially unveiled, the camo clamor reached an all-time high.
Eric at Soldier Systems, one of the biggest A-TACS websessor, spotted it in person onfourseparateoccasions at the show. The camo appeared in a variety of forms on items from Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS / Panther Arms, EOTAC, Danner Boots, Tactical Assault Gear, Blue Force Gear and Emerson Knives (to name a few).
In the video below at about 1:55, Fernando Coelho, President of EOTAC, shows off the new pattern on a combat uniform that they spent a year creating. “Whether you have a sling, helmet or clothing … it all blends well together,” he says about the camo. “There are no hard lines.”
The 2010 SHOT Show kicks off tomorrow and will be bursting at the seams with product debuts and, of course, all sorts of gear goodies. For those not familiar with the annual trade show, SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show. The four-day show is a must for gear lovers across the board, specifically those military equipment aficionados. This year show organizers expect more than 60,000 attendees from all over the United States as well as from 75 countries.
Not going to the SHOT Show? Follow all the action on its official Twitter site. Although the only tweets are counting down ’til the show’s launch, we hope to see some twitpics and other interesting tidbits.
1. EOTAC’s Emerson Knife Collaboration
EOTAC will be showing off its new knife produced by Ernest Emerson, the world-famous custom knifemaker. The knife boasts a custom blade 154CM premium Stainless Tool Steel hardened to 57 Rockwell with a partial serration, reports Soldier Systems. In addition to the knife, EOTAC will be showcasing all sorts of awesome things at booth #11456.
2. SHOT Show Survival Kit
We don’t even care what’s in this sucker. We just like the fact that it’s free (if you mention the ad in the SHOT Show’s tracker book) at Sports South’s booth #15931. But if you actually care, the kit includes a dice stress reliever, a travel mug, computer screen cleaner, a pull-apart key ring, a notepad, an ink pen, a first-aid kit and a water bottle. Do note that supplies are limited and you get one kit per retailer badge.
3. Colt Tactical
Also mentioned on Soldier Systems, military equipment manufacturer Colt will be launching its tactical line along with an interactive website that will eventually include an online store. According to a company release, its mission is to “provide the most sophisticated, reliable and capable tactical carbine packages available, period, to today’s most demanding tactical shooters.”
4. Blackhawk Packs
Blackhawk will be showing not one but five new backpacks at Booths #13760 and #13769 for its tactical nylon line. Four are built with military specifications and one is especially for off-duty time. The Sling Backpack ($109.99), pictured below, features a single ambidextrous padded sling with swivel buckle for easy removal, a MP-3 pocket, two-mesh storage pockets and a water bottle pocket.
5. Dennis Miller
Oh, how we love tactical celebrity appearances meant to heighten the excitement to OMG! levels. Scheduled on Tuesday evening as the comedic dessert after a filling industry cocktail reception, dinner and multimedia presentation, five-time Emmy award winner Dennis Miller takes the stage likely sending at least one SHOT Show attendee into an autograph-this-for-me, let-me-take-your-picture frenzy.
6. Remington ACR
Its promotional video was leaked earlier this month (via Gear Scout). So, to confirm this video was indeed meant for SHOT Show, check Remington’s ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) in all its modular glory as it makes its debut at booth #14020. This brand new sniper is said to have “surgical precision” and be “designed by operators for operators.”
7. Bonnie
Trade shows (no matter the industry) are relentless at supplying not only exciting new products but also importing attractive females (or booth babes) to stand next to said products. Trade show models run the gamut from professional sales associates to bikini-clad babes, who typically garner more attention than the items they’re peddling. Pictured below, Bonnie will be at Booth #15744. We’re not sure what she’ll be standing next to, but if you show up early, you can get a free autographed poster. That’s incentive enough, right?
Want to do something sweet for the troops? Like, really sweet?
Send ‘em some Thin Mints or Do-si-dos. From January through March, Girl Scouts in Indiana will be taking cookie orders for troops at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Operation Cookie Drop is a program that’s been utilized by Girl Scout troops across the country to make life a little sweeter for soldiers on bases in the United States and throughout the world.
If you’d like to participate but don’t know a Girl Scout in Indiana, call the Girl Scout cookie hotline (who knew there was a hotline for such things?) at 877-474-2249.
Want to do something more? Check out this list of well-respected military charities and support groups:
Any Soldier – Helps nearly 100,000 American soldiers, both active duty and reservists, feel cared for via letters and packages from “home.”
Army Emergency Relief Fund – A private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 with a mission to assist soldiers and their dependents.
Air Force Aid Society – The official charity of the United States Air Force has supported its cause by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs and offering an array of base community enhancement programs for more than 65 years.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – For over a century this private nonprofit has provided financial, educational and other assistance to Naval Service members.
Fisher House Foundation – Founded in 1993, this private organization provides “comfort homes” on military bases worldwide for visiting troops and their families receiving medical assistance.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund – Associated with the Fisher House Foundation, this nonprofit supports dependents of fallen soldiers with grants and scholarships.
Armed Services YMCA of the USA – For more than 140 years, the ASYMCA has focused enriching the quality of life for junior-enlisted men and women through special projects and programs that bring together military families.
National Military Family Association – If you have financial or other logistical questions, the National Military Family Association does its best to answer all those questions through its website and numerous programs for military spouses and children.
Homes for Our Troops – Founded in 2004, this national nonprofit assists injured servicemen and servicewomen and their immediate families through fundraisers and home improvement.
